How to Propagate a Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca) gets its common name from the deep purple coloring of the stems and leaves. The coloring is not actually contained in the stems and leaves, but on tiny, purple, hair-like growths that emerge from them. These projections also give the plant a velvety feel. The purple passion plant is most often propagated by cuttings, which root quickly if the proper growing conditions are maintained.

Things You'll Need

Hand pruners

4- to 5-inch diameter plant pot

Peat

Finely chopped bark

Perlite

Heating mat (optional)

Spray bottle

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Locate an existing purple passion plant that is free of disease to take a cutting from. You can successfully take cuttings any time of the year.

Pick up one stem and trace it back 1 1/2 to 3 inches. Cut the stem off straight across using hand pruners.

Fill a 4- to 5-inch diameter plant pot with a mixture of half peat, one-fourth finely chopped bark and one-fourth perlite. Mix the contents well to combine.

Dig a 1-inch deep hole in the top of the soil mixture using your finger. Insert the cut end of the purple passion plant cutting into the hole and press the soil up around it.

Water the soil until it is moist all the way to the bottom of the pot.

Place the pot in an indoor location that is well-lit but does not receive direct sun. If the temperature is below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, set the pot on a heating mat set to this temperature and leave it on constantly.

Spray the top of the soil lightly with water whenever it starts to dry out. The purple passion plant cutting will develop roots in approximately one to three weeks.